Travis Hunter, Colorado State safety Henry Blackburn bowl after late hit sent star to hospital

June 2024 · 3 minute read

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There’s no bad blood here.

Colorado Buffaloes football star Travis Hunter reunited with Colorado State safety Henry Blackburn on Wednesday, weeks after the latter was hospitalized during a controversial play between the two players.

In a video posted to Hunter’s YouTube channel, the pair enjoyed some time bowling together to bury the hatchet once and for all.

The video starts out with Hunter, who appears to be in a park, calling on a special guest when Blackburn suddenly comes into frame and makes his way to the Buffaloes two-way star.

“Henry Blackburn, we just played last Saturday, you know, I was just making sure my guy’s straight, you know just making sure he’s good, checking in with him,” the Colorado State defensive back said.

“We made this happen for the people that love to see negativity. This ain’t a negative video, man. Just straight positive. It’s nothing but positivity this way.”

Travis Hunter uploaded a YouTube video where he and Henry Blackburn talked things out and buried the hatchet. Travis Hunter / youtube
The surprising clip captures Travis Hunter getting to know Henry Blackburn as a person off the field while sitting down to talk with him at a park. Travis Hunter / youtube

Blackburn received widespread backlash when he hit Hunter’s midsection on an incomplete pass during the second quarter of the Buffaloes’ 43-35 victory over the Rams on Sept. 16.

Blackburn, who was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, made clear that he had no intention of hurting Hunter.

“You know I never meant to hurt you, you know how it goes bro,” Blackburn expressed.

Hunter interjects, and says, “It doesn’t matter if you did or not, it’s football at the end of the day.”

“You’re expecting something [bad to happen] on the football field. You’re going out there to run into each other 1,000 times a day, or a game.” he added. “When it happened, I’m like, it’s not his fault, it’s football.

Travis Hunter (12) of the Colorado Buffaloes is hit near the sideline on a pass attempt by defensive back Henry Blackburn (11) of the Colorado State Rams at Folsom Field on Sep. 16, 2023 in Boulder. Denver Post via Getty Images
The clip finishes with Henry Blackburn and Travis Hunter enjoying some time bowling together. Travis Hunter / youtube
Henry Blackburn thanked Travis Hunter for how he handled everything after the hit. Travis Hunter / youtube

Blackburn, a senior, and his family received death threats for the hit, which has already sidelined Hunter for at least a week.

The defensive star’s cellphone number and home address were also leaked to the public.

“It’s just sad,” Colorado State’s head coach Jay Norvell said, according to the Denver Post. “It’s sad that that’s the state of the world we live in. It’s a football game. Let’s not make it more than that. We don’t want anybody to get hurt. We don’t coach that kind of football.”

Colorado had coach Deion Sanders condemned the threats saying, Blackburn “does not deserve a death threat over a game” as he offered his forgiveness.

“With all that stuff that went down, you know, after the game, like, I can take it,” Blackburn said. “I’m not [tripping] about me, it’s just I got two little sisters at the house still in elementary school,” he added, saying he was more worried for them than himself.

“But I appreciate you coming out and saying it’s football cause that helped calm things down,” Blackburn said, thanking Hunter.

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